By Senator Mike McGuire – October 10, 2026 Across America, more families and seniors are stretched due to federal economic policies resulting in rising prices on groceries, home goods, and electric bills. Here's some good news: California is doubling down on its efforts to make life more affordable here at home. We just passed the largest affordability package in over a half century-these new laws will lower electric bills by $63 billion in the coming years. And we're expanding rental assistance for working families and seniors, making it easier and less expensive to build workforce housing in every corner of the Golden State, and increasing funding for the state's first-time home buyer program. Not to mention over half of all students now attend in-state colleges tuition free. Major progress is being made here in California, but we know there are headwinds on the horizon due to significant federal cuts to food assistance programs. More than $187 billion in federal SNAP food benefits have been cut nationwide resulting in a $3-5 billion cut to California annually. This means food banks across the state are in crisis mode. That's why we're hosting a virtual Hunger Town Hall on October 16th at 6:00 pm and invite you to join the conversation! We'll hear from Allison Goodwin, the President and CEO of Redwood Empire Food Bank, Carly Robbins, Executive Director at Food for People in Humboldt County, along with Suzanne Morales, President of the California School Nutrition Association. These expert panelists will address the unprecedented challenges of ensuring access to healthy food in these times, and breakdown how California is fighting back to support our food banks and keep universal free meals served in all of California's TK-12 public schools. Here are the meeting details: What: Senator McGuire and local leaders discuss federal funding cuts to food assistance programs AND how food banks and our public schools are rallying for our most vulnerable kids, families and seniors. When: Watch live Thursday, October 16th at 6:00 pm RSVP and ask a question for the Town Hall presenters by clicking here! How to attend: Watch the Town Hall live here or on our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you on October 16th! Thanks for your partnership. Warm regards, MIKE McGUIRE Senator